I've slept more this week than I have in a long time. At least 8 hours each night with a few 2-hour naps when a long afternoon seemed like too much.

The words and thoughts and prayers you sent are like balms on a tender wound.

Thank you.

Ryan and I are okay. We're trying to do the things we love.

For Ryan? He's been swimming and reading and making things like a beautiful pretzel necklace. I'm lucky to have this guy. No doubt about that.

For me? I'm writing and walking and sipping on 3 dollar cups of coffee. And I'm baking, of course.

I baked these whole wheat brown sugar muffins on Saturday, and the aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar made my house feel safe and warm.

Isn't it amazing what a muffin pan can do?

What I love about these muffins is not only the flavors of sweet apples and brown sugar. I appreciate how these muffins make me feel. Not too sweet and full of apples, whole grains, and nuts, these whole wheat brown sugar muffins are good for my body and my soul.

Sitting down with a muffin and a cup of coffee is the right way to start my day. And I don't feel bad when I take an extra one or two for the road.

I cut the sugar back in these whole wheat brown sugar muffins, largely because apples are sweet enough, and I often feel like muffins are more like cake than they should be.

With only 1/3 cup of brown sugar, these muffins are just sweet enough to satisfy my morning cravings.

I also added Chobani Greek yogurt, which paired with a meager 1/4 cup of oil, makes these muffins moist and light.

Greek yogurt can do wonders for baked goods. Not to mention how lovely it tastes just on its own. Give me a bowl of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, some fresh fruit, and I'm one happy girl.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together your brown sugar and oil. Add in the vanilla extract. Stir well. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the Greek yogurt and applesauce, and mix until smooth.

4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, making sure to not overmix your muffin batter. Fold in the apples and chopped pecans.

5. Using an ice-cream scoop (or large spoon), distribute your muffin batter into prepared muffin tins. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until muffin springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wired rack. Always,MonetAnecdotes and Apple Cores

It sounds like you are doing all the right things for yourself. Its amazing how therapeutic baking can be for the mind and soul. These are lovely, healthy muffins. I wish I had one to go with my coffee right now.

These look so wholesome and comforting. Baking is definitely an amazing form of therapy, and even more so when you use such nourishing ingredients. I've been thinking of you often, my friend, and I send you lots of love and sunshine. :)

I'm glad you've been doing the things you love... hugs to you! That pretzel necklace is gorgeous :) The muffins sound great, Monet... I love baking with cinnamon. The whole house is saturated with such a warm and comforting smell! Gorgeous muffin recipe... Thanks for sharing!

Monet, these muffins sound so delicious! Brown sugar always adds that special caramel flavor that makes things extra good! Glad to hear you have been doing alright! That necklace is super cute :)! Hope you have a wonderful week!

I'm glad you've been spending time doing the things you love. I've been thinking about you and your family every day. Your strength amazes me every day. You've been through so much in such a short time, and to maintain such a positive spirit, I just don't know how you do it.

Monet,
Baking has always been my therapy for many years. You can "loose yourself" in the recipe, and end up with gorgeous, yummy muffin, not to mention the wonderful smells that are wafting from your kitchen.
I can't wait to make these!

A friend of mine, Kelly Heber, sent me a link to your blog and i have been just DEVOURING it ever since. I am so so sorry for your recent loss and I think you are producing some writing that's irreplaceable and paramount to helping the grief process for many of us out there.

I keep a blog as well, Young Alumni. It's a lifestyle blog about working through the post collegiate world. I'm hosting a giveaway with a beautiful leather tassel earring and i thought of you because sometimes little things are a great way to add some cheer in the midst of grief. It's available until Friday and it's just perfect for Valentine's Day.

What a cute necklace! I'm glad to hear that you and Ryan are doing ok, and I will keep you both in my prayers. I can definitely understand how food (especially these muffins) are warm and comforting -- they look delicious!

Love the smell of muffins baking in the oven, just fills the house with warmth. These sound delicious, I love the brown sugar instead of the regular stuff and the use of apple sauce. Cooking is a really great thign sometimes, puts you in a different world almost. Hope all is well.

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